What better way to start off the New Year, than with a book about dogs that will not only warm your heart, but may also inspire you to become a better person in 2013.

Racing in the Rain is narrated by a dog who’s acutely aware that he’s very different from other dogs and that’s a storyline that will likely resonate with a large readership. The book is laid out in such a way that it’s super easy to read, but it also has clear messages about the value of perseverance, patience and tenacity. Although this book is often viewed as a kid’s book, the depths of it’s emotional messages will keep tween readers engaged too.

Image: amazon.com

Dogs seem to have a way of teaching us about the really profound things in life, don’t they? The Divinity of Dogs is a compilation of 70 true stories inspired by submissions from real dog owners. It is from these submissions that dog owners share some amazingly inspiring stories about how their dogs have taught them amazing things about love, tolerance, compassion and loyalty. The stories shared will take you on a roller coaster ride all the way from heartwarming inspiration to gut wrenching tears that will cause you to reach for your box of tissues.

Image: barnesandnoble.com

Here’s a heartwarming & inspiring story about how the irresistible “runt of the litter” ended up being almost five feet tall, seven feet long and 245 pounds and totally won the hearts of his owners. If you like books that make you laugh, cry and feel incredibly happy about everything all at the same time, you’ll find it almost impossible to put down this story of Giant George once you start reading it.